Canon
RF 50mm F1.2L USM
Canon RF Mount
Canon's flagship 50mm f/1.2 prime — extraordinary resolution and creamy bokeh for portraits and low light.
$2,299
Launch priceReleased Dec 2018
Nikon
NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S
Nikon Z Mount
NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S — 85mm f/1.8 for Nikon Z, a popular choice in the nikon lineup.
$799
Launch priceReleased Sep 2020
NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is 1.8 years newer.
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Wins
RF 50mm F1.2L USM
Wins
NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BNIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S has lower Weight (470 g vs 950 g)
- ARF 50mm F1.2L USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/1.8)
- ARF 50mm F1.2L USM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/1.8)
- BNIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S has lower Min focus distance (30 cm vs 40 cm)
- ARF 50mm F1.2L USM has higher Max magnification (0.19 × vs 0.15 ×)
Key specs at a glance
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the RF 50mm F1.2L USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 UD, 1 Aspherical
- ✓
Control ring
Only RF 50mm F1.2L USM supports it
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/1.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/1.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Length
108 mm vs 116 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.19 × vs 0.15 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical
- ✓
Weight
470 g vs 950 g — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
30 cm vs 40 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
81 mm vs 89 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
RF 50mm F1.2L USM
Pros
- ✓Stunning sharpness even wide open at f/1.2
- ✓Beautiful, smooth bokeh with 9 rounded aperture blades
- ✓Fast and accurate Dual Pixel AF with Ring USM
- ✓Weather-sealed L-series construction
Cons
- –Heavy for a 50mm prime (950g)
- –Premium price for a single focal length
- –No optical image stabilization
NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S
Pros
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Solid optical performance for the price tier
- ✓Native Nikon Z mount compatibility
Cons
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 50mm F1.2L USM and NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM
Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.